Saunders set to again coach Timberwolves

Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune

Then-Pistons coach Flip Saunders during Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal against the Bulls at The Palace in Auburn Hills Michigan on Saturday May 5, 2007.

Then-Pistons coach Flip Saunders during Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal against the Bulls at The Palace in Auburn Hills Michigan on Saturday May 5, 2007. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)

Saunders, the team president and a part-owner, confirmed to ESPN.com that he will take over a team that went 40-42 last season under Rick Adelman, who announced his retirement in April.

It is expected Saunders will surrender some or all of his personnel department responsibilities. However, there are coaches -- including Stan Van Gundy in Detroit -- with coach and president roles in the NBA.

Saunders joined the Wolves' front office last year and coached the team previously from 1995-2005.

The initial target of Saunders was Minnesota native Dave Joerger, who interviewed with the team before ultimately deciding to return to the Memphis Grizzlies with an adjusted contract.